Cash strapped ski club gets $2K from city

City of Penticton will offer $2,000 to the Apex Freestyle Ski Club despite Coun. Wesley Hopkin's objection. He said the club should have asked for a grant ahead of time.

(SHANNON QUESNEL /InfoTel Multimedia)

March 07, 2013 - 12:18 PM

By Shannon Quesnel

Apex Freestyle Ski Club will get a City of Penticton bailout to the tune of $2,000.

The group has an $8,000 budget shortfall for hosting the FIS Nor-Am Cup and the Canadian Junior Nationals Freestyle Skiing Championships. The club wants $2,000 each from Area E, Area F and the City of Penticton.

In a letter, club treasurer John Kapusty argued there is big economic impact from the two events. Athletes, coaches and families come from the U.S., Europe, Australia, Japan, Russia and China as well as Canada.

At this week's council meeting, Coun. Wesley Hopkin objected. He and Coun. Helena Konanz voted against the request.

Hopkin said there are plenty of non-profit groups and charities that operate at a loss and do good things. They don't come running to the city when in financial trouble.

Hopkin said he would rather the club ask for a grant ahead of time.

“We do set ourselves a major precedent if this happens,” he said.

Coun. John Vassilaki said the business community and hospitality groups should pony up as they are the ones to benefit.

“I think it's wonderful (for this) to be in our backyard,” Coun. Andew Jackubeit said. “We have to be looking at this as sport tourism.”

OPINION Editor, This is a busy time of year, but I find it’s also a time of reflection, particularly as January marks the end of my two-year term as Chair and my 10 years serving on the Board of Interior